We report a light-induced, iron-promoted method for the synthesis of polyaromatic
benzotetraphenone derivatives via a tandem [2+2] Paternò–Büchi photorearrangement/electrocyclization
pathway. Irradiation of anthraquinone with diphenylacetylenes under 370 nm LED light
in the presence of FeCl₃ afforded novel polyaromatic scaffolds in excellent yields.
The structures of the products were confirmed by single-crystal X-ray diffraction,
revealing planar, rigid frameworks with promising photophysical properties. This strategy
offers a new platform for constructing highly conjugated, luminescent molecules from
simple precursors under mild conditions.
Keywords
Photochemistry - Photorearrangement - Paternò–Büchi - Lewis acid catalysis - Benzotetraphenones